The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/ZIYiz3 ) Senate Republican leaders' budget proposal seeks $400 million over the next two years for major highway expansion projects.

Republican Sen. Luke Kenley of Noblesville wants some of that money to help fund the so-called Indiana Commerce Connector, a toll road that would form a loop beyond I-465. The proposed toll road could link Muncie, Martinsville and Indianapolis International Airport.

Kenley says the project would keep Indiana at the forefront of the transportation, logistics and warehousing industries when combined with completion of Interstate 69 and expanding interstates 70 and 65 to six lanes.